Bass drum hole

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nilbog
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Nilbog

Nilbog

hello
OKay, I just got a drumset and am trying to learn the ropes. My bass drum does nto have a hole in it like a lot of other bass drums. Whats the good side of having ahole in the bass drum? Is it just for micing? How would I go about cutting such a hole?
-Nilbog
 
Hey Nilbog,

Depends what your doing. Some drummers like having the full head on front, some don't. For recording I take the whole front skin off, this is the common method. I guess for micing live a hole in the front, rather than having it right off might provide some isolation.

Even for playing, I take the head off. Jazz guys tend to like leaving the front head on (generalization) for a bit more ring, boomy sound (more generalization), but all depends on the style.

As for putting a hole in the head, I've heard of people heating up a tin can with a propane torch and placing that on it, in hopes of making a decent perfectly round hole. I tried this once with little success. Evans sells front heads with holes premade, far worth the money if it's what your after.



[This message has been edited by Emeric (edited 05-31-2000).]
 
I think that someone makes a "hole kit" which consists of a plastic ring that is sticky on one side, you stick it to the head, then cut out the middle with a razor blade. It works pretty well.


ametth
 
I just took a bowl to use as a template and just cut around it with an exacto knife. That worked pretty well ... although the edges are a little brittle and need to be reinforced with tape or something. Actually, I think I'm just going to take the front head off as it would be easier to position mics and I hear thats better for recording anyway.
 
Ametth,

To let you know, REMO makes those hole kits and they call 'em REM-Os. I think they work quite well, many to choose from. :D
 
Great site John! I just spent a few minutes there and found the acoustic stuff very interesting. I noticed that some of the stuff didn't come up. I'll check back often to see what you've added. Thanks!
 
A friend just told me the other day that for recording purposes he cuts all but about an inch from the ring. He says it makes it easier to mic the sweet spot and keep all the hardware from inadvertently rattling. Sounds good to me.
 
Hi guys

Cutting a hole in the front head lets air to escape the drum very quickly and reduces resonance.

Any hole in the head much bigger than six inches will yield the same result as having no front head... almost no resonance at all.

If you want to keep some resonance or at least have the option of keeping some resonance in the drum, make a hole about six inches... It's big enough to move small pillows in and out of and big enough through which to place a mike.

Dont not put this hole in the center of the head though.. that lets too much direct air out of the drum
Position the hole off to the side, about 3 inches from the hoop, and down low, so your mike cable can escape.

Tony

[This message has been edited by tutton (edited 06-26-2000).]
 
I have tried the tin can method. It works well if done right.

Also I would like to try a compase with a blade on the end.
 
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